The Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) has filed High Court proceedings against the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, challenging a recent decision to close a portion of northern hoiho habitat to setnet fishing.

The Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) says today’s announcement of an emergency three-month closure of set-net fishing around the Otago Peninsula by Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones will protect some hoiho, while leaving others unprotected.

The support of Otago set-net fishers for emergency closures of set-net fishing shows action to urgently protect hoiho has broad backing, and it is time for Ministers to act.  

Hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) are one of Aotearoa’s most treasured taonga — and one of the world’s rarest penguins.

Sadly, they are in serious trouble, especially the mainland population, which is in rapid decline and at risk of extinction.

We’ve written to Ministers calling for urgent action to protect hoiho.